NFL Draft 2013: Top 10 Day 3 diamonds in the rough

South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore answers a question during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Success in the NFL isn't reserved for players drafted just in the first two rounds. Players routinely slip through the cracks and go on to lead history-making NFL careers. Tom Brady, for instance, wasn't drafted until the sixth round in 2000, and we all know how well that worked out for the Patriots.

Time will tell how each draftee stacks up to his draft number, but here are 10 players selected Saturday who could turn out to be late-round gems:

1. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

San Francisco 49ers (4th round, 131st overall)

When healthy, Lattimore is unquestionably the best running back in the 2013 draft class. He is still recovering from his second devastating knee injury and may not contribute until 2014, but San Francisco is the perfect place for him to grow into the NFL. Fellow 49ers running back Frank Gore has dealt with injuries of his own and will be a good role model for Lattimore. If the South Carolina product can fully heal and develop into a three-down back, he might be the steal of the 2013 draft.

2. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford

Arizona Cardinals (5th round, 140th overall)

Taylor lacks top-end speed but is a great fit in a Cardinals' rushing attack that emphasizes running between the tackles. At Stanford, Taylor played his best games against top defenses and has no history of durability issues. With Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams unable to play full seasons in 2012 due to injury, Taylor is a valuable addition to the Cardinals' backfield.

3. Quanterus Smith, DE, Western Kentucky

Denver Broncos (5th round, 146th overall)

An ACL injury late in 2012 caused Smith to slip down the draft board but above-average quickness off the edge and a nose for the quarterback make the Hilltopper a steal with the 146th overall pick. Smith led all Division I players with 12.5 sacks in 10 games before injuring his ACL, including three sacks against No. 1 Alabama. Denver is a good fit for Smith, where he can learn from sack specialist Von Miller.

4. Denard Robinson, RB/WR, Michigan

Jacksonville Jaguars (5th round, 135th overall)

Robinson is a top-flight athlete that needs grooming, but will have an immediate impact for the Jaguars on special teams and at the ticket office. Primarily a quarterback at Michigan, Robinson made countless plays with his feet, and his speed and quickness will translate well to the NFL. As the second pick of the fifth round, Robinson will be a steal if he is able to handle the transition to running back or wide receiver.

FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2012, file photo, Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri in Columbia, Mo. Nassib was drafted by the New York Giants in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday, April 27, 2013. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson, File)

5. Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse

New York Giants (4th round, 110th overall)

Tabbed by some as a potential first-rounder, Nassib is a tremendous value pick for the Giants in the fourth round. With Eli Manning and veteran David Carr in New York to show him the ropes, Nassib could quickly develop into valuable trade bait or a long-term, dependable backup. A strong arm and good instincts make him a potential starter down the road.

6. Barrett Jones, C, Alabama

St. Louis Rams (4th round, 113th overall)

Jones brings versatility to a Rams' offensive line that struggled through injuries and a general lack of talent in 2012. At Alabama, Jones played guard, tackle and center and showed a great understanding of each position. As a fourth-round pick, Jones is a great value and fills a big void for the Rams.

7. Michael Mauti, LB, Penn State

Minnesota Vikings (7th round, 213rd overall)

Mauti missed plenty of time at Penn State dealing with three different knee injuries, but when healthy Mauti was tremendously productive. Despite missing a game in 2012, he was named the Big Ten's top linebacker while showing great leadership amid the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State. If Mauti can find sustained health he has everything it takes to be a starter in the NFL — not bad for a seventh-round pick.

8. Ryan Jensen, OL, Colorado State-Pueblo

Baltimore Ravens (6th round, 203rd overall)

As a four-year college starter, Jensen showed up on draft radars as a junior and improved his stock as a senior despite playing off the radar at Colorado State-Pueblo. Jensen has the body to compete in the NFL and will surely be developed by a savvy Ravens organization. Untested against top-tier competition, Jensen will provide real value in the sixth round if he can get on the field in 2013.

The Associated Press

9. Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma

New Orleans Saints (5th round, 143rd overall)

Stills is a smooth route-runner with the tools to thrive in a Saints offense similar to the one he played in at Oklahoma. He will provide immediate depth for the Saints and has the versatility to line up all over the field. Stills needs to get stronger, but a 4.49 40-yard dash and the benefit of having Drew Brees under center makes him a possible difference-maker in New Orleans.

10. Zachary Stacy, RB, Vanderbilt

St. Louis Rams (5th round, 160th overall)

With longtime Rams running back Steven Jackson now in Atlanta, Stacy become the next feature back in St. Louis. Stacy has a stocky frame and an impressive eye for the cutback lane. As a late fifth-round selection, Stacy is a good value for the Rams, who may have found their tailback of the future.